Nintendo Wii U Launch Guide

Wii U Launch Center

By now, you've likely decided whether the Wii U, Nintendo's upcoming HD console, is right for you at launch when it releases November 18, 2012. As I have said before when it comes to any console launch, as a rule of thumb, I only purchase a console once there are around five games I want that are either exclusive or better played on the platform.

Whatever your own established rules are for adding (yet) another device to your ever expanding electronics center, the Wii U officially marks the coming of the next generation of consoles. And Game Revolution's got your back.
 

Basic Set vs. Deluxe Set

First off, let's hope that you have your Wii U of choice already pre-ordered. Either Nintendo truly didn't expect so many pre-orders or they intentionally limited the supply of Wii U consoles in order to say that it's "a hot product". Whatever the case may be, many retailers are completely sold out of Wii U pre-orders and only have waiting lists for those of you who are late to the launch party. You'll have to cross your fingers that Nintendo can close the gap on back-up orders.
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Nintendo is offering the Wii U in two distinguishable flavors: one white Basic Set for $299.99 and a black Deluxe Set for $349.99. Both versions come with the essential Wii U console, Wii U GamePad, Wii U GamePad Stylus, Sensor Bar, AC adapters for both the console and the GamePad, and an HDMI cable for your HD needs.

However, the Deluxe Set is clearly the better deal, if just for the sleek black look. For the extra $50.00, it comes with 32GB internal storage instead of just 8GB in the Basic Set as well as the Nintendo Land video game, a Wii U GamePad stand, Wii U GamePad Cradle, and Wii U Console Stand.

The Deluxe Set also comes packaged with the Deluxe Digital Promotion, which is essentially a "cash back" program that gives you 10% back in points for every downloadable purchase you make in the Nintendo eShop or dowlnoad codes sold at select retail stores. Every 500 points you earn gives you an additional $5 for redemption in either the 3DS or Wii U eShop. This promotion lasts until December 31, 2014, so you'll have two full years to bank on the deal.
 

Accessories

As far as final sale total is concerned, the Wii U will likely not puncture your wallet as heavily as prior console launches. This is because nearly every accessory that was compatible with the original works fine with the Wii U, including the Wii Remotes, Wii Remote Plus attachments, Nunchuk controllers, and the Wii Balance Board.

Also, Nintendo hasn't said much on the prospect of having games that work with more than one GamePad, so that the community isn't splintered and consumers aren't burdened with having to purchase another expensive controller. As Reggie Fils-Aime noted earlier, the console is also open to additional external hard drive storage with a simple connection, so that lowers the final cost of the Wii U significantly (that is, as long as you already have an external storage unit).

The only real accessory you should consider, if you're not getting the Wii U console stand and the Wii U GamePad stand already included in the Deluxe set, is the Wii U Pro Controller. As the name implies, it's meant for gamers less casual-oriented who will appreciate the tightly designed controller, which might as well be the Xbox 360 controller with the right analog stick and four-button pad swapped.

But be careful, though; unlike the GamePad, there is no headphone port on the Pro Controller, which might null the whole point of shelling out $49.99 for it in the first place. I suppose not hearing a bunch of whiny teenagers on Black Ops II is fine enough, but not being able to chat with your friends and clan could be deal-breaker. Let's hope that wireless headsets are in the midst of production.

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